What is a copy edit?

A copy edit is a thorough check of your completed document for correct and consistent language use and overall general sense. A standard copy edit does not involve large amounts of rewording and style reformatting, checking large amounts of content for inconsistency and inaccuracy, or looking at sequencing and placement of material; this is achieved with a heavy or structural edit.

A copy edit will:

  • correct faulty spelling, grammar, and punctuation

  • ensure consistency of style in spelling, punctuation, hyphenation, capitalisation, and use of articles in headings

  • edit the text to conform to the client’s house style or preferred journal style

  • ensure consistency in the use of numerals, units, abbreviations, lists, italic, and boldface and will convert units as necessary

  • improve the choice of words/phrases and linking passages where appropriate to ensure overall clarity, readability, fluency, and consistency

  • ensure figures, tables, captions, labels, headings, and text agree in matters of spelling, content, and numbering and are consistent in presentation

  • ensure the text does not contradict data in tables and graphs

  • query tables that only duplicate data plotted in graphs

  • check numbering of references and footnotes

  • check cross-references to sections, figures, tables, pages, etc, and correct errors as needed

  • check the heading hierarchy/structure and ensure consistency of style formatting and presentation

  • query inconsistent or possibly inaccurate statements

  • check spelling and accuracy of technical terms, drug names, proper names, titles, job titles, dates, place names, etc, as far as can be reasonably expected

  • check the table of contents for completeness and agreement with text headings

  • check appendices, glossaries, indexes, and other endmatter are complete and consistent in style and content with the rest of the material

  • query inconsistent or incomplete references, footnotes, and bibliography

  • format references, footnotes, and bibliography to a consistent style

  • depending on what is agreed with the client, I will also check reference citation details in online databases (e.g. PubMed) and Google for accuracy and supply missing information in bibliographical references where possible. (This is recommended for improved accuracy of reference details.)

Please note: sometimes clients ask for a proofread when their project needs a copy edit or even a heavy or structural edit.

Find out about what other services I provide.

Find out about the types of projects I can take on.

If you feel that my skills would be useful on your projects, I would be keen to hear from you.